Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the safest and most common surgeries in the world. The surgery involves removing the eye’s natural cloudy lens and permanently replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Eyeglasses may be required in addition to the IOL for best vision after cataract surgery. Surgery is indicated when you cannot function satisfactorily due to decreased vision caused by the cataract, typical symptoms include cloudy vision, halos, glare, and decreased contrast sensitivity.  The goal of cataract surgery is to correct the decreased vision that was caused by the cataract.  Cataract surgery will not correct other causes of decreased vision, such as glaucoma, diabetes, or age-related macular degeneration.

Cataract surgery is relatively fast, with the entire visit lasting 2-3 hours, and the actual surgery only lasting around 15-30 minutes.  Overall the surgery is quite comfortable, and a light sedative is given during surgery to relax the patient.  Mild discomfort for the first 24 hours is typical, but severe pain would be extremely unusual and should be reported immediately to the surgeon. Healing time is relatively fast. Vision improves within a week, regular activities can be resumed after just 1 week, and the eyes should stabilize after 3-6 weeks. If both eyes require cataract surgery, only one eye will be done at a time. The second eye may be done about two weeks following the first operation.

Laser Technology for Safer, More Accurate Cataract Surgery

Standard vs. Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery

We offer two techniques for cataract surgery: Standard cataract surgery and Laser-assisted cataract surgery using the Alcon LenSx® Laser. At EyeCare 20/20 Retina & Vision Center in Mandeville, Harahan, and Slidell, our experienced doctors proudly use the innovative Alcon LenSx® to perform safe, minimal-discomfort procedures. The main advantage with using a laser is that it allows the surgeon to make very precise incisions in less time, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the surgery. It also provides a higher degree of correction for astigmatism. 

Advantages of Laser Technology

Laser cataract surgery offers a number of advantages over traditional methods. Your doctor will scan your eye with the advanced femtosecond laser, creating a three-dimensional map. The doctor can calibrate the laser to match the exact dimensions of your eye, ensuring a highly precise procedure. Additionally, the laser minimizes trauma to surrounding cells, meaning you will experience less discomfort and post-surgical irritation. Most importantly, thanks to laser technology, your doctor can more precisely place the IOL for optimal vision enhancement. To learn more about cataract surgery and the advantages of laser technology, contact our office today.